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Country Mouse #2
City Mouse
A magical weekend, a breathless declaration, a happy ever after . . . Right?
Wrong.
When Malcolm Kavanagh took his first step toward emotional maturity by declaring his love to Owen Watson, that was just the first chapter in their story. Anyone who’s ever been in love knows that happy endings take a lot more work than that.
One Malcolm has never been in love. He doesn’t know the rules of a relationship and isn’t confident enough to trust that his is real. He learns the ropes by sharing his life and his flat with Owen, but relationship boot camp proves a challenge. Everything is a struggle, from accepting Owen’s low-status job to putting his boyfriend above his personal trainer.
Luckily, Owen knows a little more about relationships, and labors patiently to survive the first six weeks of their life together. From the art galleries of Cambridge to the tawdry majesty of the Dominion theatre, Owen adapts to England while Malcolm adapts to the whole human race. Maybe, if Owen is patient enough and Malcolm learns to give, the two of them can make it past Relationship Armageddon to a real happy ending.
Wrong.
When Malcolm Kavanagh took his first step toward emotional maturity by declaring his love to Owen Watson, that was just the first chapter in their story. Anyone who’s ever been in love knows that happy endings take a lot more work than that.
One Malcolm has never been in love. He doesn’t know the rules of a relationship and isn’t confident enough to trust that his is real. He learns the ropes by sharing his life and his flat with Owen, but relationship boot camp proves a challenge. Everything is a struggle, from accepting Owen’s low-status job to putting his boyfriend above his personal trainer.
Luckily, Owen knows a little more about relationships, and labors patiently to survive the first six weeks of their life together. From the art galleries of Cambridge to the tawdry majesty of the Dominion theatre, Owen adapts to England while Malcolm adapts to the whole human race. Maybe, if Owen is patient enough and Malcolm learns to give, the two of them can make it past Relationship Armageddon to a real happy ending.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2013
10 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
205 books3,490 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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March 18, 2013
Fabulous follow up to County Mouse… and I am just loving this Voinov ~ Lane collaboration.
These two talented writers have delivered an excellent second instalment to the Country Mouse series, the pace and the emotions that it evoked had me devouring page by fabulous page with the authors also getting into their stride as we get to know these characters, and not forgetting more luscious smexy loving between out two MC’s. Owen will always be an absolute darling and Malcolm will constantly need to be gently coerced in the right direction by Owens unassuming disposition.
In the last book, Malcolm was irritating and a thoroughly unpleasant man, but I warmed to him when we at last saw the sensitive side to his nature. So at the start of this book, which follows immediately after the first I was expecting more of that vulnerability from Malcolm. Mmm… after he so beautifully opened his heart and managed to convince the adorable Owen to be a part of his life and stay in London, they have the weekend together and it is back to the rat race for Malcolm, leaving Owen to consider his options and look for gainful employment.
Malcolm thinks the perfect place for Owen to start looking for a job would be the financial sector in the city but Owen couldn't think of anything worse than working with people that are full of there own importance. Owen likes the simple things in life and what he wants most is to be happy and loved, wealth and social standing are worthless to him in the grand scheme of things and certainly not his priority. So when Owen finds a job as a Computer technician in a part of London with a postcode that to Malcolm screams poverty and crime he is mortified!
Malcolm see’s Owens Job, working in Brixton at a tatty co-operative that had seen better days, as well as the pittance he was being paid for the privilege as demeaning, and as Malcom’s job is becoming more demanding of his time and Owen is left home alone he is beginning to wonder just how long it will take for Owen to get pissed off with it all. Is there honeymoon period over?
Malcolm again ended up annoying me, he wasn’t very likeable at all and being inside his head was quite disconcerting, he was rude, jealous, pretentious, shallow and vain! and his only redeeming quality was that he was damn lucky to have such a sweet man that could obviously see past the power hungry persona, where appearance and social standing are so important.
Owen isn’t easily flustered and he is extremely patient, I know I personally would have punched Malcolm on the nose but Owen is vibrant and full of life and fun, and his heart is bursting with love… his glass is always half full compared to Malcolm's who’s is half empty, and the authors did a great job of developing their relationship further, and we see them get through another tumultuous stage in their relationship. Malcolm needs Owen to open his eyes to the wonders of life, he is so full of understanding and thoughtfulness that he can see the strength of the man who bared his soul when he thought he might lose the only person he had ever loved. Oh…. Malcolm still has faults aplenty but with Owen to keep him grounded he can see through the pretentious world and recognise the most valuable thing you can have actually costs nothing and is freely given.
This ARC was provided by Riptide Publishing through NetGalley
For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook
These two talented writers have delivered an excellent second instalment to the Country Mouse series, the pace and the emotions that it evoked had me devouring page by fabulous page with the authors also getting into their stride as we get to know these characters, and not forgetting more luscious smexy loving between out two MC’s. Owen will always be an absolute darling and Malcolm will constantly need to be gently coerced in the right direction by Owens unassuming disposition.
In the last book, Malcolm was irritating and a thoroughly unpleasant man, but I warmed to him when we at last saw the sensitive side to his nature. So at the start of this book, which follows immediately after the first I was expecting more of that vulnerability from Malcolm. Mmm… after he so beautifully opened his heart and managed to convince the adorable Owen to be a part of his life and stay in London, they have the weekend together and it is back to the rat race for Malcolm, leaving Owen to consider his options and look for gainful employment.
Malcolm thinks the perfect place for Owen to start looking for a job would be the financial sector in the city but Owen couldn't think of anything worse than working with people that are full of there own importance. Owen likes the simple things in life and what he wants most is to be happy and loved, wealth and social standing are worthless to him in the grand scheme of things and certainly not his priority. So when Owen finds a job as a Computer technician in a part of London with a postcode that to Malcolm screams poverty and crime he is mortified!
Malcolm see’s Owens Job, working in Brixton at a tatty co-operative that had seen better days, as well as the pittance he was being paid for the privilege as demeaning, and as Malcom’s job is becoming more demanding of his time and Owen is left home alone he is beginning to wonder just how long it will take for Owen to get pissed off with it all. Is there honeymoon period over?
Malcolm again ended up annoying me, he wasn’t very likeable at all and being inside his head was quite disconcerting, he was rude, jealous, pretentious, shallow and vain! and his only redeeming quality was that he was damn lucky to have such a sweet man that could obviously see past the power hungry persona, where appearance and social standing are so important.
Owen isn’t easily flustered and he is extremely patient, I know I personally would have punched Malcolm on the nose but Owen is vibrant and full of life and fun, and his heart is bursting with love… his glass is always half full compared to Malcolm's who’s is half empty, and the authors did a great job of developing their relationship further, and we see them get through another tumultuous stage in their relationship. Malcolm needs Owen to open his eyes to the wonders of life, he is so full of understanding and thoughtfulness that he can see the strength of the man who bared his soul when he thought he might lose the only person he had ever loved. Oh…. Malcolm still has faults aplenty but with Owen to keep him grounded he can see through the pretentious world and recognise the most valuable thing you can have actually costs nothing and is freely given.
This ARC was provided by Riptide Publishing through NetGalley
For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook
March 24, 2015
Written January 28, 2015
4 1/2 Stars - Undoubtedly a real treat - A brilliant fun contemporary 'Voinov & Lane' gem
Book #2
I was surprised how much I loved Aleksandr Voinov and Amy Lane's first novella part, #1 - Country Mouse (4.2 stars), then back in October last year. My friend Are and I talked about to read this second (full-lenght) part together already then but time went. Last Sunday we took a quick BR decision and started this sequel. - (Are's 4 star review)
And Jolly Good!! isn't enough...
This is a little masterpiece. It's hard to tell why it is so good. ~ Maybe is just that feeling of real life, real ordinary relationship struggling. These characters aren't heroes with a capital "H". They are two human, rather ordinary young men, with natural feelings and with some hassle to get back on their feet at times.
Hooray!!! - for guys with flaws that are clever, stubborn and loves unconditionally.
***********************************************************
After the first fling...
In the first book did Owen Watson, a young college Yank on vacation in London, start to talk with a well dressed man, in a dark office suit and shiny shoes, in a scruffy London pub. Malcolm Kavanagh was in urgent need of a one-night's "sub". He was a man who just wanted it to be simple, quick and then something to soon forget.
Qwen and Malcolm had an amazing hot, light kinky, very lovely weekend together. It all ended with Malcolm very humble romantic asked Owen to stay in London.
Awwww, Malcolm is a naughty boy.
Malcolm is a hard working trading desk Londoner with more or less no time for meaningful relationships. He thought he was a 'Dom', but maybe he was wrong there as well.
From now on starts something completely new. Home in Malcolm's penthouse apartment is this funny, sexy and so very sweet, but also so very different, American goodlooking lover.
There is this sweet and tender Owen guy. Malcolm's new (first!!) boyfriend. A guy with other, very strange, goals in life. Other 'goals' than just earning a lot of money, get an even more preppy job, wear nice expensive clothes, have your own PT and never eat anything else than low fat chicken food. And most important: live on a 'proper' street and be able to move around in London's heated financial circuits. ~ ...The few hours you're not working.
Malcolm is really trying, but it's so d@mn hard to change to another creature suddenly at once.
***********************************************************
City Mouse is the story about those first shaking 'honeymoon' weeks (six) in a new relationship. Funny, sweet, smexy hot and heartbreaking moments. Oh dear, it isn't easy to adjust to new premises in life. You need time - but is just six weeks, as Owen's mother means, enough?
I like this British humor and there are so many funny moments here. I like this London feeling (want to be there). I like this storyline style (more like this please).
There are for sure a lot of good things to say' For example this touching insecurity our, so to be, strong Malcolm character have. There are a lot of "stuff" heavy on his poor shoulders. It isn't easy to be a stong man at all times. ~ Haha, I just love that guy.
Our second boy, Owen, isn't bad he either. I like his way to stand calm, to let Malcolm hysterically fluttering around, calm Mal down, let Mal 'play' dominant for a while, but in the end grab it all and just be there. He's that big, strong, confident teddy-bear. The MAN whose bosom we all are so very happy to step into.
***********************************************************
Funny, adorable sweet and slightly kinky sexy
Quickly read two part series. Maybe should it be 5-stars raiting? ~ Pick it up! ...I just wish there was more book-parts to be, or at least more M/M, from these two writers together.
I LIKE - ...a lot!!
******
4 1/2 Stars - Undoubtedly a real treat - A brilliant fun contemporary 'Voinov & Lane' gem
Book #2
I was surprised how much I loved Aleksandr Voinov and Amy Lane's first novella part, #1 - Country Mouse (4.2 stars), then back in October last year. My friend Are and I talked about to read this second (full-lenght) part together already then but time went. Last Sunday we took a quick BR decision and started this sequel. - (Are's 4 star review)
And Jolly Good!! isn't enough...
This is a little masterpiece. It's hard to tell why it is so good. ~ Maybe is just that feeling of real life, real ordinary relationship struggling. These characters aren't heroes with a capital "H". They are two human, rather ordinary young men, with natural feelings and with some hassle to get back on their feet at times.
Hooray!!! - for guys with flaws that are clever, stubborn and loves unconditionally.
***********************************************************
After the first fling...
In the first book did Owen Watson, a young college Yank on vacation in London, start to talk with a well dressed man, in a dark office suit and shiny shoes, in a scruffy London pub. Malcolm Kavanagh was in urgent need of a one-night's "sub". He was a man who just wanted it to be simple, quick and then something to soon forget.
Qwen and Malcolm had an amazing hot, light kinky, very lovely weekend together. It all ended with Malcolm very humble romantic asked Owen to stay in London.
‘Owen heard that for what it was. Self-recrimination. Yes, Malcolm, you forgot the condom because you’re not used to being human yet. It’s okay. I forgive you.’
Awwww, Malcolm is a naughty boy.
Malcolm is a hard working trading desk Londoner with more or less no time for meaningful relationships. He thought he was a 'Dom', but maybe he was wrong there as well.
From now on starts something completely new. Home in Malcolm's penthouse apartment is this funny, sexy and so very sweet, but also so very different, American goodlooking lover.
There is this sweet and tender Owen guy. Malcolm's new (first!!) boyfriend. A guy with other, very strange, goals in life. Other 'goals' than just earning a lot of money, get an even more preppy job, wear nice expensive clothes, have your own PT and never eat anything else than low fat chicken food. And most important: live on a 'proper' street and be able to move around in London's heated financial circuits. ~ ...The few hours you're not working.
Malcolm is really trying, but it's so d@mn hard to change to another creature suddenly at once.
***********************************************************
City Mouse is the story about those first shaking 'honeymoon' weeks (six) in a new relationship. Funny, sweet, smexy hot and heartbreaking moments. Oh dear, it isn't easy to adjust to new premises in life. You need time - but is just six weeks, as Owen's mother means, enough?
I like this British humor and there are so many funny moments here. I like this London feeling (want to be there). I like this storyline style (more like this please).
“Owen, your boyfriend’s here. And you’re right. He does look like a snake that swallowed a lemon!”
There are for sure a lot of good things to say' For example this touching insecurity our, so to be, strong Malcolm character have. There are a lot of "stuff" heavy on his poor shoulders. It isn't easy to be a stong man at all times. ~ Haha, I just love that guy.
Our second boy, Owen, isn't bad he either. I like his way to stand calm, to let Malcolm hysterically fluttering around, calm Mal down, let Mal 'play' dominant for a while, but in the end grab it all and just be there. He's that big, strong, confident teddy-bear. The MAN whose bosom we all are so very happy to step into.
“I want . . . I want to never have to check for your passport to know whether you’re coming back.”
***********************************************************
Funny, adorable sweet and slightly kinky sexy
Quickly read two part series. Maybe should it be 5-stars raiting? ~ Pick it up! ...I just wish there was more book-parts to be, or at least more M/M, from these two writers together.
I LIKE - ...a lot!!
******
March 11, 2013
3.5 stars! ...and a spoiler-free review...
If you’re a fan of Country Mouse, you were probably in HEA-heaven when Malcolm pulled the grand, romantic move of stopping Owen at the train station from leaving for Paris. It was one of those sigh-inducing, make-my-heart-full moments.
City Mouse takes place in the weeks immediately following as we watch Mal and Owen figure out “what’s next?” Owen remains the sweet, kind-hearted, loving, but so-NOT-a-pushover Yank. The real transformation, and what I find drives the movement in the story of book 2, happens with Malcolm and his battle against his past demons, his current lifestyle and attitude, and who/what he can’t help want to be for Owen.
The book is sweet...a little bit of angst via relationship growing pains thrown in that didn’t really exist in book 1...and gives us fans of Owen/Malcolm even more. It was great to see their relationship evolve. (But seriously: does Owen HAVE to be THAT perfect about everything? And does Malcolm HAVE to be such an arrogant ass about everything? ha! ...well, Malcolm's vulnerable moments, though rare, were endearing...)
There’s lots and lots and lots and lots of smexy in this book as well (including an ice dildo...erm...). And, for new fans of Voinov’s Market Garden series, the club makes a guest appearance along with a couple of the side characters.
Entertaining and easy.
Thanks, as always, to Riptide for the ARC...you guys ROCK! :)
August 8, 2018
Solid series.
Malcolm was a bit of a douche at times. A bit self-centered when it came to his and Owen's relationship.
And Owen had the patience of a saint. I loved him. And I liked them together.
Loved the addition of Percy from the Market Garden series, wonder why he never got his own book?
A bit of an abrupt ending, but overall a really enjoyable series!
Malcolm was a bit of a douche at times. A bit self-centered when it came to his and Owen's relationship.
And Owen had the patience of a saint. I loved him. And I liked them together.
Loved the addition of Percy from the Market Garden series, wonder why he never got his own book?
A bit of an abrupt ending, but overall a really enjoyable series!
March 22, 2013
~ ~ ~
4 Enjoyable Stars
There’s a lot to be found in this story; humor, sarcasm, frustration, romance, tenderness, erotica….It hit all my buttons. Malcolm’s snarky humor completely captured me in the beginning and Owen’s tender loving calm balanced the relationship. Oh yeah, and the icy-hot sex scene is NOT TO BE MISSED.
THE CHARACTERS
Malcolm Kavanagh - His cynical humor and delightful emotional immaturity had me wrapped around his little finger…just like Owen. It’s hard to deny a guy who needs you SO much, even if he’s an "overbearing wanker."
Owen Watson - Good-natured, easygoing and mature beyond his years Owen has a rather magnanimous patience for Mal’s moody tantrums. He’s an anchor in this story and heck, he makes an American girl proud.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of both the moms in the story. Level headed, wise and loving. Nice.
There’s also a cross-over appearance by Percy who is also found in the Market Garden serial. Plus a peek inside the Market Garden itself.
THE STORY
I really enjoyed Country Mouse, book #1 in this series, and totally enjoyed the continuing development of the whirlwind romance in book #2. Mal and Owen know they have a lot to learn about each other, but they also know they have something worthy of the effort. It might be too fast and easy for some, but I was just so caught up in the passionate romance to really notice.
Malcolm is really lucky to have found Owen; possibly the only one who would put up with his domineering personality. Luckily, Owen has some pretty powerful traits of his own. Owen’s gentle nature and calm patience bowl Malcolm over…he really never sees his own control being gently coaxed to surrender.
The relationship elements are as good as the sexy bits, and the sexy bits are good, really, really good.
THE WRITING
Witty humor and quick paced, Lane and Voinov work extraordinarily well together. The grouchy plays so well off the sweet that you can imagine they had a great time co-writing with each other. There was a moment at 84% where I actually shouted out a "hurray!" A decidedly great choice by the authors, and much appreciated.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
~ ~ ~
I would like to sincerely thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
4 Enjoyable Stars
"Strong is having the faith to run after a guy you’ve fallen for and taking the risk of looking like an idiot…"
There’s a lot to be found in this story; humor, sarcasm, frustration, romance, tenderness, erotica….It hit all my buttons. Malcolm’s snarky humor completely captured me in the beginning and Owen’s tender loving calm balanced the relationship. Oh yeah, and the icy-hot sex scene is NOT TO BE MISSED.
"I don’t have any kinks," Owen lied. And squirmed, too.
"Well-dressed Brits is technically a kink," Malcolm asserted with roughly two-tons of smugness in his compact frame.
THE CHARACTERS
Malcolm Kavanagh - His cynical humor and delightful emotional immaturity had me wrapped around his little finger…just like Owen. It’s hard to deny a guy who needs you SO much, even if he’s an "overbearing wanker."
Malcolm didn’t like to admit he needed, but he did, and when he gave in and needed Owen, Owen was all about giving this man what he could.
Owen Watson - Good-natured, easygoing and mature beyond his years Owen has a rather magnanimous patience for Mal’s moody tantrums. He’s an anchor in this story and heck, he makes an American girl proud.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of both the moms in the story. Level headed, wise and loving. Nice.
"When you get to that point where you notice a person’s faults, you’ve got to decide if you can live with them or can’t live without them."
There’s also a cross-over appearance by Percy who is also found in the Market Garden serial. Plus a peek inside the Market Garden itself.
THE STORY
I really enjoyed Country Mouse, book #1 in this series, and totally enjoyed the continuing development of the whirlwind romance in book #2. Mal and Owen know they have a lot to learn about each other, but they also know they have something worthy of the effort. It might be too fast and easy for some, but I was just so caught up in the passionate romance to really notice.
Malcolm is really lucky to have found Owen; possibly the only one who would put up with his domineering personality. Luckily, Owen has some pretty powerful traits of his own. Owen’s gentle nature and calm patience bowl Malcolm over…he really never sees his own control being gently coaxed to surrender.
The relationship elements are as good as the sexy bits, and the sexy bits are good, really, really good.
THE WRITING
Witty humor and quick paced, Lane and Voinov work extraordinarily well together. The grouchy plays so well off the sweet that you can imagine they had a great time co-writing with each other. There was a moment at 84% where I actually shouted out a "hurray!" A decidedly great choice by the authors, and much appreciated.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
~ ~ ~
I would like to sincerely thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
March 23, 2013
4,5 stars for the brilliant sequel of 'Country Mouse'.
I love 'City Mouse' even more than 'Country Mouse'. I love neurotic, smug Malcolm with his tailor-made suits, his expensive ties and his control mania. I love him even more when he forgets all his high-strung behavior and shoves an ice dildo up in Owen's ass... just saying... :)
Sometimes he's so hilarious. I guess it's his brit humour I can't resist.
“Yeah, all gay guys have really good hygiene and are nice,” he said between gritted teeth. “And the Paris Hiltons of the world can pick a gay buddy up with her Christian Lobotomy shoes.”
And of course I love the oh-so-patient laid-back all-American Owen. If I have been in his spot Malcolm wouldn't have had any chance to survive the relationship Armageddon, those tricky six weeks. He would have died a long torturous death, strangled with his own tie! :D
Haha... and we meet Percy from the Market Garden books who introduces Malcolm to the club. Even Nick has a little appearance.
…a guy who was idly playing with a riding crop. That guy was selling pain, and his arched eyebrow seemed like something of a permanent invitation. Malcolm couldn’t help but grin a little at the guy’s panache, playing Big Bad Dom when he was five foot and change. Maybe he had the same Napoleon complex as Josh.
Speaking of Josh... Amy and Aleks, I hope you are planning a third installment. I think Josh's story would be a hell of a fun read. A guy with a Napoleon complex *snorts* (who loves torturing poor guys in his gym) needs to meet the man of his dreams, doesn't he?
I love 'City Mouse' even more than 'Country Mouse'. I love neurotic, smug Malcolm with his tailor-made suits, his expensive ties and his control mania. I love him even more when he forgets all his high-strung behavior and shoves an ice dildo up in Owen's ass... just saying... :)
Sometimes he's so hilarious. I guess it's his brit humour I can't resist.
“Yeah, all gay guys have really good hygiene and are nice,” he said between gritted teeth. “And the Paris Hiltons of the world can pick a gay buddy up with her Christian Lobotomy shoes.”
And of course I love the oh-so-patient laid-back all-American Owen. If I have been in his spot Malcolm wouldn't have had any chance to survive the relationship Armageddon, those tricky six weeks. He would have died a long torturous death, strangled with his own tie! :D
Haha... and we meet Percy from the Market Garden books who introduces Malcolm to the club. Even Nick has a little appearance.
…a guy who was idly playing with a riding crop. That guy was selling pain, and his arched eyebrow seemed like something of a permanent invitation. Malcolm couldn’t help but grin a little at the guy’s panache, playing Big Bad Dom when he was five foot and change. Maybe he had the same Napoleon complex as Josh.
Speaking of Josh... Amy and Aleks, I hope you are planning a third installment. I think Josh's story would be a hell of a fun read. A guy with a Napoleon complex *snorts* (who loves torturing poor guys in his gym) needs to meet the man of his dreams, doesn't he?
February 11, 2015
5 Amy Lane and Aleksander Voinov stars
More Malcolm and Owen and London
There’s a lot to love in this story. It's full of humour, sarcasm, frustration, romance, tenderness, hotness, love... the list goes on. It worked very well for me, I loved the sequel as much as the book #1. Malcolm’s snarky humour completely captured me in the beginning and Owen’s tender loving calm balanced the relationship. And the need...
The sex was hot off the charts.
Overall, fantastic read. I wish we see more Lane/Voinov collaboration in the future. Pretty please!
Highly recommended
More Malcolm and Owen and London
"When you get to that point where you notice a person’s faults, you’ve got to decide if you can live with them or can’t live without them."
There’s a lot to love in this story. It's full of humour, sarcasm, frustration, romance, tenderness, hotness, love... the list goes on. It worked very well for me, I loved the sequel as much as the book #1. Malcolm’s snarky humour completely captured me in the beginning and Owen’s tender loving calm balanced the relationship. And the need...
"Malcolm didn’t like to admit he needed, but he did, and when he gave in and needed Owen, Owen was all about giving this man what he could".
The sex was hot off the charts.
Overall, fantastic read. I wish we see more Lane/Voinov collaboration in the future. Pretty please!
Highly recommended
February 10, 2015
Review for books one and two:
Can you say, "Chemistry?" Because that is what this series Country Mouse and City Mouse boils down to. Just the most intense, smoldering hot, ridiculously emotional, romantic, mind-blowing, peel-the-paint-off-the-walls sex. Good God, it seriously doesn't get a whole lot smuttier than this.
I. Loved. Every. Word.
The story line was good too. I promise you'll be able to handle the insta-love 'cuz, THE SEX people. The sex...
Read this series ASAP. I just finished my second read of both and anxiously await my old brain to forget the details so I can read it all over again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!
Absolutely ridiculous, I tell you!
Can you say, "Chemistry?" Because that is what this series Country Mouse and City Mouse boils down to. Just the most intense, smoldering hot, ridiculously emotional, romantic, mind-blowing, peel-the-paint-off-the-walls sex. Good God, it seriously doesn't get a whole lot smuttier than this.
I. Loved. Every. Word.
The story line was good too. I promise you'll be able to handle the insta-love 'cuz, THE SEX people. The sex...
Read this series ASAP. I just finished my second read of both and anxiously await my old brain to forget the details so I can read it all over again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!
Absolutely ridiculous, I tell you!
March 20, 2013
While not as good as the first installment, it was still fun to be back with Malcolm and Owen in City Mouse. Malcolm and Owen are getting to know each other and realizing that their relationship isn't all fun and games.
The biggest issue I had was that the authors kept highlighting the fact that these characters are polar opposites which, IMO just highlighted the differences in their writing. This book was far less cohesive than the first.
I still enjoyed reading about Malcolm and Owen but if I wanted to re-visit them, I would be going back to County Mouse.
The biggest issue I had was that the authors kept highlighting the fact that these characters are polar opposites which, IMO just highlighted the differences in their writing. This book was far less cohesive than the first.
I still enjoyed reading about Malcolm and Owen but if I wanted to re-visit them, I would be going back to County Mouse.
March 11, 2013
Apparently I like my books with a touch of angst, a lot of smut and characters that get on my nerves but endear themselves to me regardless because I've been on a Aleksandr Voinov and Amy Lane kick recently if my 'read' shelf is anything to go by.
So here we are visiting the city slicker and the mellow Yank a week after Malcolm asked Owen to stay in London. Like any relationship everything was going fine during the honeymoon phase until Malcolm started reverting to his routine of late nights at the office. Add to that the fact that he had some issues with Owen's job and financial stability and you are correct in assuming that everything is not as peachy keen as it looks.
In this follow-up book to Country Mouse we get to discover a different side to both Owen and Malcolm. Although it was clear that Malcolm was a stubborn man with issues it is in City Mouse that we truly get a sense of who he is and why he behaves as he does. On the surface he appears cold and unapproachable, but as I kept on reading I found him to be more like an insecure, confused child. He knew what he wanted but couldn't believe it was in front of him for the taking. He knew he loved Owen, but he also knew that his behavior was insufferable and that Owen wouldn't stand for it. Did he try to stop it? Er, nope.
For his part, Owen kept to his laid-back attitude accepting Malcolm as he was even if at times it rankled to khow that the man he loved behaved that way. He tried his best to keep the peace and let Malcolm adjust and learn how a relationship worked but in the end it became too much for him to let it slide and it all exploded in a confrontation that left both men confused and emotionally drained.
As with County Mouse, Voinov and Lane's collaboration came together without a glitch. This time around there was less of the funny but more of the angst and emotions. From the honest, intimate moments to the explosive flare of the men's temper through to the hurt each one encountered when confronted with the fact that maybe this relationship was bound to fail, Voinov and Lane's writing was outstanding. The men's emotions were clearly expressed on the page to make me connect to them even more than I had in the previous book and the dialogue shared between them was both enlightening as it was entertaining. It was through their interactions and inner thoughts I could understand where Owen and Malcolm were coming from.
Needless to say that their chemistry was explosive. With Voinov and Lane in charge, every time Owen and Malcolm came together (no pun intended) you could clearly see how much they wanted each other, but more than that, you could see how much they cared for one another. Although dominant and appearing in control Malcolm always managed to give into Owen, just as Owen always tried to make Malcolm yield to him on another level. It was such a treat to see them this way!
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit with Malcolm and Owen and would love to know how they fare as a couple now that they have gotten some of the most important issues dealt with. I wonder if there is more to come, because I know for a fact that Malcolm and Owen's story will always be an interesting one. I guess time will tell.
I received this title from Riptide Publishing through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
So here we are visiting the city slicker and the mellow Yank a week after Malcolm asked Owen to stay in London. Like any relationship everything was going fine during the honeymoon phase until Malcolm started reverting to his routine of late nights at the office. Add to that the fact that he had some issues with Owen's job and financial stability and you are correct in assuming that everything is not as peachy keen as it looks.
In this follow-up book to Country Mouse we get to discover a different side to both Owen and Malcolm. Although it was clear that Malcolm was a stubborn man with issues it is in City Mouse that we truly get a sense of who he is and why he behaves as he does. On the surface he appears cold and unapproachable, but as I kept on reading I found him to be more like an insecure, confused child. He knew what he wanted but couldn't believe it was in front of him for the taking. He knew he loved Owen, but he also knew that his behavior was insufferable and that Owen wouldn't stand for it. Did he try to stop it? Er, nope.
For his part, Owen kept to his laid-back attitude accepting Malcolm as he was even if at times it rankled to khow that the man he loved behaved that way. He tried his best to keep the peace and let Malcolm adjust and learn how a relationship worked but in the end it became too much for him to let it slide and it all exploded in a confrontation that left both men confused and emotionally drained.
As with County Mouse, Voinov and Lane's collaboration came together without a glitch. This time around there was less of the funny but more of the angst and emotions. From the honest, intimate moments to the explosive flare of the men's temper through to the hurt each one encountered when confronted with the fact that maybe this relationship was bound to fail, Voinov and Lane's writing was outstanding. The men's emotions were clearly expressed on the page to make me connect to them even more than I had in the previous book and the dialogue shared between them was both enlightening as it was entertaining. It was through their interactions and inner thoughts I could understand where Owen and Malcolm were coming from.
Needless to say that their chemistry was explosive. With Voinov and Lane in charge, every time Owen and Malcolm came together (no pun intended) you could clearly see how much they wanted each other, but more than that, you could see how much they cared for one another. Although dominant and appearing in control Malcolm always managed to give into Owen, just as Owen always tried to make Malcolm yield to him on another level. It was such a treat to see them this way!
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit with Malcolm and Owen and would love to know how they fare as a couple now that they have gotten some of the most important issues dealt with. I wonder if there is more to come, because I know for a fact that Malcolm and Owen's story will always be an interesting one. I guess time will tell.
I received this title from Riptide Publishing through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
April 1, 2013
Beautiful. I actually liked this one more than the first one. A sequel that really finishes and rounds off the relationship that brings Malcolm
and Owen home. It is also not without it's very British humour which had me laughing hysterically in parts.
I really liked that this sequel dealt with the period when the honeymoon period is over and the faults start letting themselves show. It is at this point that makes or breaks a relationship. The stage where any couple has to ask themselves can we love the faults as much as the good points. If the answer is yes then it can work. I felt for Owen seeing how it was so obvious the Malcolm's job was the thing that was destroying him and putting a strain on their relationship. Owen remains a pillar of strength but more than this he is the one that has both feet firmly planted on he ground and is the understanding one in this duo. Malcolm loves Owen intensely but as we learn all his insecurities coming from childhood makes him a control freak and has a fear of being poor and the fat kid.
This is a sweet story of a new couple finding themselves and preparing the ground for a long lasting and loving life together.
and Owen home. It is also not without it's very British humour which had me laughing hysterically in parts.
I really liked that this sequel dealt with the period when the honeymoon period is over and the faults start letting themselves show. It is at this point that makes or breaks a relationship. The stage where any couple has to ask themselves can we love the faults as much as the good points. If the answer is yes then it can work. I felt for Owen seeing how it was so obvious the Malcolm's job was the thing that was destroying him and putting a strain on their relationship. Owen remains a pillar of strength but more than this he is the one that has both feet firmly planted on he ground and is the understanding one in this duo. Malcolm loves Owen intensely but as we learn all his insecurities coming from childhood makes him a control freak and has a fear of being poor and the fat kid.
This is a sweet story of a new couple finding themselves and preparing the ground for a long lasting and loving life together.
May 2, 2023
The first book was about falling hard and fast after three days of incredible sex and London sightseeing.
This one is about what happens when you uproot your entire life because you fell in love with the sexy asshole after those three days of sex. It’s not pretty.
I liked the struggles, but the erotica format kept it on a superficial level and it wasn’t enough. It needed more depth, more pages and less sex. And a better ending. Because I’m not convinced they won’t start fighting again tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that.
This one is about what happens when you uproot your entire life because you fell in love with the sexy asshole after those three days of sex. It’s not pretty.
I liked the struggles, but the erotica format kept it on a superficial level and it wasn’t enough. It needed more depth, more pages and less sex. And a better ending. Because I’m not convinced they won’t start fighting again tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that.
March 27, 2013
Owen and Mal....what a combination. Owen is such as sweetie, Mal is still a pain in the arse but his heart's in the right place....4.5 stars from me for this one, I loved it
We continue on from where Mal rushed to the station to stop Owen leaving him, and our couple seem to be making huge strides in the relationship stakes. Owen has found a job as the go-to IT guy
at a co-op of businesses in Brixton (..um), and Mal is still employed as a trader by his bank in the City....but for how much longer is debatable. Job cuts are affecting everyone, and at Mal's bank it is rumoured that whoever gets the boot will get it before Christmas so that bonuses are not paid. Mal is trying to deal with the stress, and still visits Josh at the gym
, but Josh is not a happy bunny
....Mal is paying too much attention to Owen, and not enough to his gym routine..I think the words 'get stuffed Josh' are a given.Mal is not happy that Owen's pay is pathetic
, he doesn't understand that people can do a job simply because they like their fellow employees and the actual job, not the benefits and status they can accrue, but for the moment, he is happy that Owen is happy. They do normal couple things during the evenings
and weekends, even venturing out to Cambridge for a trip which ends with a very hot session in a disabled toilet!! (I'll never be able to go to the Fitzwilliam Museum again without thinking of that, phew!!) Unfortunately, real life starts to intrude....Mal's job gets even more stressful as the traders try to prove to their bosses that they are invaluable and worthy of keeping their jobs, which means that Mal isn't getting back to the penthouse much before 11pm most nights....obviously he isn't the only one getting a little pissed off with this turn of events.As Owen has been discussing with his mum during their phone conversations
, the 6 week marker is rapidly approaching....Owen has problems with relationships once they hit the 6 week barrier....and it would seem this relationship is no different. What happens after this, you dear reader, will have to discover for yourselves.....but I will say that 'Market Garden' makes an appearance, and for Owen's sake, I was 'over the moon' that Mal behaved himself'.I loved this slice of the Country/City Mouse saga, and hope that there'll be another episode in the future. Many thanks Aleks and Amy. x
March 29, 2013
3.5*
I think I'm going to be in the minority here. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy this one but I think Country Mouse just tipped it for me because I loved the dynamics in it between the two guys and the snarky humour between them, so in this I was expecting to see a bit more of the original cocky Malcom. There were shades of him but he seemed more worried about losing Owen and it made him seem more whiny and selfish than his original cockiness and arrogance that had me laughing in the first book! Because Owen is such a sweetie and so laid back , I actually liked the last bit best when he does finally lose it a bit with Malcom and has him sweating! I rounded it t up to 4 because there's no denying the writing skills of these two great authors and to post three stars wouldn't seem right for the quality of the book.
I think I'm going to be in the minority here. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy this one but I think Country Mouse just tipped it for me because I loved the dynamics in it between the two guys and the snarky humour between them, so in this I was expecting to see a bit more of the original cocky Malcom. There were shades of him but he seemed more worried about losing Owen and it made him seem more whiny and selfish than his original cockiness and arrogance that had me laughing in the first book! Because Owen is such a sweetie and so laid back , I actually liked the last bit best when he does finally lose it a bit with Malcom and has him sweating! I rounded it t up to 4 because there's no denying the writing skills of these two great authors and to post three stars wouldn't seem right for the quality of the book.
maybe
January 31, 2013Oh oh… mein erster Gedanke zum Cover: Der Typ auf der oberen Hälfte erinnert mich… an unsere Frau Merkel… *rofl*
otbr-high-priority
March 16, 2013The Riptide/Merkel conspiracy...
March 25, 2013
"When you get to that point where you notice a person's faults, you've got to decide if you can live with them or can't live without them."
Country Mouse was essentially a fantasy where two people fall for each other, open up and share themselves, and decide to take the leap to try to be together. Its optimism was touching.
In book 2, Malcolm and Owen have to deal with real life. That's where any relationship either finds its footing or falls apart. The things that might have been endearing before are now stone cold realities, things to live around, things to deal with. This is when you decide if you love the other person enough to try, despite your differences. How much of your time and self are you going to invest in them?
Because love is always an investion. Real love is work, and I don't just mean romantic love. Caring about anyone in any way can be painful, heartbreaking, even torture at times. So why bother? If you put in the time, if you focus on the things you do love, if you have the backbone to say when you're sorry or just to admit your feelings, then you get the reward. There's nothing better than when you love someone as much as they love you. There's security and comfort in that kind of companionship, and there's trust.
We read to escape all that harsh reality though, right? This time, for me, seeing two people struggle with reality was a welcome change. It struck a chord. It made me think, how much are you willing to give when it comes to someone you love?
Country Mouse was essentially a fantasy where two people fall for each other, open up and share themselves, and decide to take the leap to try to be together. Its optimism was touching.
In book 2, Malcolm and Owen have to deal with real life. That's where any relationship either finds its footing or falls apart. The things that might have been endearing before are now stone cold realities, things to live around, things to deal with. This is when you decide if you love the other person enough to try, despite your differences. How much of your time and self are you going to invest in them?
Because love is always an investion. Real love is work, and I don't just mean romantic love. Caring about anyone in any way can be painful, heartbreaking, even torture at times. So why bother? If you put in the time, if you focus on the things you do love, if you have the backbone to say when you're sorry or just to admit your feelings, then you get the reward. There's nothing better than when you love someone as much as they love you. There's security and comfort in that kind of companionship, and there's trust.
We read to escape all that harsh reality though, right? This time, for me, seeing two people struggle with reality was a welcome change. It struck a chord. It made me think, how much are you willing to give when it comes to someone you love?
March 20, 2013
I loved book 1 and fully enjoyed book 2. Malcolm and Owen are just awesome working thru there new situation.
February 15, 2015
I enjoyed, quite a lot, this follow up to Country Mouse. Now that Owen and Malcolm have had their best weekend of sex and companionship EVAR, they decide to take their relationship to the next level and actually have a relationship. The story takes place over the first six weeks of Owen's and Malcolm's relationship.
After Malcolm chases Owen down at the train station and makes his 'please don't leave' declaration, Owen stays in London with Malcolm. Life is quite the adventure, after all. Since he is staying in London, Owen decides to look for work. He doesn't want to just mooch off of Malcolm. Owen is laid back and wants to work in that kind of atmosphere. He doesn't care about money and he really doesn't want to wear a suit to work. He quickly finds a job as the IT guy for a small business co-op and he really loves it. It's not in a hip and posh part of London and the pay isn't great, but that isn't why Owen is in London, anyway. For someone so young, Owen really does have a good head on his shoulders and is emotionally steady.
Malcolm, as we discover, is not only high strung and neurotic, but obsessed with money and status. He really wants Owen to have the "right" job based on money and status, rather than based on personal happiness. Owen is his own man, though, and is not easily pushed around by Malcolm, who at times seemed like he was a boat with no rudder. Malcolm becomes obsessed with what would happen to Owen if they don't work out. How would Owen support himself on what he makes at the co-op? The answer to that one is easy, he'd head back to the States, but Malcolm is not in a rational frame of mind while adjusting to having an actual boyfriend. Also, I kind of wanted to smack his trainer, Josh. Josh is not good for Malcolm's self esteem, nor his relationship with Owen. In fact, he was kind of a douche.
While there wasn't nearly as much sex as the first book, mostly because Malcolm works way too much at his soul sucking job, the sex they do have is pretty damn hot. Their chemistry just works. Their adventure to Cambridge was a particular favorite. But like any relationship, theirs takes some actual work - outside the bedroom - and getting Malcolm to slow down and think is quite the challenge. I suspect that Owen will always have his hands full with Malcolm.
After Malcolm chases Owen down at the train station and makes his 'please don't leave' declaration, Owen stays in London with Malcolm. Life is quite the adventure, after all. Since he is staying in London, Owen decides to look for work. He doesn't want to just mooch off of Malcolm. Owen is laid back and wants to work in that kind of atmosphere. He doesn't care about money and he really doesn't want to wear a suit to work. He quickly finds a job as the IT guy for a small business co-op and he really loves it. It's not in a hip and posh part of London and the pay isn't great, but that isn't why Owen is in London, anyway. For someone so young, Owen really does have a good head on his shoulders and is emotionally steady.
Malcolm, as we discover, is not only high strung and neurotic, but obsessed with money and status. He really wants Owen to have the "right" job based on money and status, rather than based on personal happiness. Owen is his own man, though, and is not easily pushed around by Malcolm, who at times seemed like he was a boat with no rudder. Malcolm becomes obsessed with what would happen to Owen if they don't work out. How would Owen support himself on what he makes at the co-op? The answer to that one is easy, he'd head back to the States, but Malcolm is not in a rational frame of mind while adjusting to having an actual boyfriend. Also, I kind of wanted to smack his trainer, Josh. Josh is not good for Malcolm's self esteem, nor his relationship with Owen. In fact, he was kind of a douche.
While there wasn't nearly as much sex as the first book, mostly because Malcolm works way too much at his soul sucking job, the sex they do have is pretty damn hot. Their chemistry just works. Their adventure to Cambridge was a particular favorite. But like any relationship, theirs takes some actual work - outside the bedroom - and getting Malcolm to slow down and think is quite the challenge. I suspect that Owen will always have his hands full with Malcolm.
January 4, 2016
Find the full review here:
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=2840
If you are like me, at the end of a good romance story, you are left wanting more. Left wanting to know WHAT happens after the HEA (Happily Every After). Many authors like to appease their audience with an Epilogue set some arbitrary time in the future where everything is merry and bright and all is right with the fictional world. But how do they get from the HEA to there?
Well for two wonderfully twisted authors, Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov, there heroes needed a bit more angst before truly getting their HEA. But given that the heroes in question fell in love over one lust-filled weekend in London, a little adjustment period was definitely in order. My introduction to two of my favorite authors was this little novella called Country Mouse. (go read it) It is the story of Owen and Malcolm who meet in a bar in London and enjoy one incredible weekend of sex. City Mouse by these two wonderful authors picks up pretty much right were their debut novel (well debut together anyway) left off with the Yank Owen dropping everything to move across the pond and into Malcolm's penthouse flat after Malcolm's grand gesture and declaration of love. Of course Malcolm has little experience being part of the human race much less as one part of a couple.
All sorts of fun, games, and angst ensues. Hot love scenes... well one of my favorites was actually quite cold... Ice dildo, that is all I am saying... semi-public sex, two very different men trying to find a middle ground all come together to make a great read. This book had me smiling and laughing through much of it and gripping my Kindle through other parts. I even enjoyed Aleksandr's little nods to his Market Garden series (which he co-writes with the wonderful LA Witt... review of the 3rd installment coming tomorrow ;) reviews of the first and second ones here.)
I would like to thank Riptide Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with the eARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=2840
If you are like me, at the end of a good romance story, you are left wanting more. Left wanting to know WHAT happens after the HEA (Happily Every After). Many authors like to appease their audience with an Epilogue set some arbitrary time in the future where everything is merry and bright and all is right with the fictional world. But how do they get from the HEA to there?
Well for two wonderfully twisted authors, Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov, there heroes needed a bit more angst before truly getting their HEA. But given that the heroes in question fell in love over one lust-filled weekend in London, a little adjustment period was definitely in order. My introduction to two of my favorite authors was this little novella called Country Mouse. (go read it) It is the story of Owen and Malcolm who meet in a bar in London and enjoy one incredible weekend of sex. City Mouse by these two wonderful authors picks up pretty much right were their debut novel (well debut together anyway) left off with the Yank Owen dropping everything to move across the pond and into Malcolm's penthouse flat after Malcolm's grand gesture and declaration of love. Of course Malcolm has little experience being part of the human race much less as one part of a couple.
All sorts of fun, games, and angst ensues. Hot love scenes... well one of my favorites was actually quite cold... Ice dildo, that is all I am saying... semi-public sex, two very different men trying to find a middle ground all come together to make a great read. This book had me smiling and laughing through much of it and gripping my Kindle through other parts. I even enjoyed Aleksandr's little nods to his Market Garden series (which he co-writes with the wonderful LA Witt... review of the 3rd installment coming tomorrow ;) reviews of the first and second ones here.)
I would like to thank Riptide Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with the eARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 4, 2013
What happens after the big dramatic declaration of love? The answer seems to be, fitting together the jagged unmatched edges of how two very different men handle day to day life. Figuring out how living together can work doesn't suddenly get easy, just because there's that heart-holding, toe-curling love underneath it.
Malcolm's obsession with money as security, and his long hours on the job, make it hard for him to understand Owen's priorities. Malcolm wants to work it out. But when you fall asleep minutes after walking in the door, conversation takes a back seat to at least getting some sex into the brief lucid period. Owen will take the sex - craves it, really - but he also wishes he could get it through Malcolm's beloved thick skull that Owen's own view of security and happiness owes almost nothing to a big paycheck.
Fighting about money shows up on polls as the number one reason couples argue. And these two guys have started a relationship on a moment's notice, with major intensity, and viewpoints that are miles apart. Watching them argue, while hanging onto the love that they've just found, is fascinating and realistic. And the ending is warm, although it still feels HFN. More Mouse books, please? These guys have a long way to go yet to a meeting of the minds, and lives, despite the sweetness of not letting go. I'd love to watch it happen.
Malcolm's obsession with money as security, and his long hours on the job, make it hard for him to understand Owen's priorities. Malcolm wants to work it out. But when you fall asleep minutes after walking in the door, conversation takes a back seat to at least getting some sex into the brief lucid period. Owen will take the sex - craves it, really - but he also wishes he could get it through Malcolm's beloved thick skull that Owen's own view of security and happiness owes almost nothing to a big paycheck.
Fighting about money shows up on polls as the number one reason couples argue. And these two guys have started a relationship on a moment's notice, with major intensity, and viewpoints that are miles apart. Watching them argue, while hanging onto the love that they've just found, is fascinating and realistic. And the ending is warm, although it still feels HFN. More Mouse books, please? These guys have a long way to go yet to a meeting of the minds, and lives, despite the sweetness of not letting go. I'd love to watch it happen.
August 4, 2022
This sequel did not disappoint and we dive right in where Country Mouse ended. The question is can these two complete opposites make it when their basic makeup is so starkly different?
Banker Malcolm is so controlled. His self worth is tied up in his status and his paycheck. He's amajor bit of a snob but he's just covering his own insecurities. His ambitions are sucking the joy out of his life and he's scared of letting go of his self imposed rules.
Sweet Owen is probably too laid back but that just works perfectly in sync with tightly wound Mal. His priorities are the simple things that make him happy. He sees a different side to his lover and enjoys bringing out the tender parts in him.
Make no mistake though - this was just as steamy as the first. It was fun watching these two navigate their new relationship. Their interactions were realistic, as well as sweet and hot. Add a touch of kink plus toys and playful dominance push/pull - all of which made it that much more interesting and entertaining!
This was an excellent afternoon read - thanks for sharing it with me Ingela!
Banker Malcolm is so controlled. His self worth is tied up in his status and his paycheck. He's a
Sweet Owen is probably too laid back but that just works perfectly in sync with tightly wound Mal. His priorities are the simple things that make him happy. He sees a different side to his lover and enjoys bringing out the tender parts in him.
Make no mistake though - this was just as steamy as the first. It was fun watching these two navigate their new relationship. Their interactions were realistic, as well as sweet and hot. Add a touch of kink plus toys and playful dominance push/pull - all of which made it that much more interesting and entertaining!
This was an excellent afternoon read - thanks for sharing it with me Ingela!
April 14, 2013
Even better than the first.
Maybe it's the cynic in me, but I prefer the ugly reality of life smacking you around a bit to the glitter of "honeymoon romances". Here Malcolm and Owen hit it head on and I like how they battle it out. Neither is going to give until they realize what's important to them, truly valuable.
Malcolm's still an arrogant ass, and I love him. Hate the real life personality, but in a story--golden boy.
Owen is steady, strong and saintly patient. How he wrangles Malcolm around is pure delight.
Speaking of delight, the men are even more hot mess sexy with loveliness--museum trip and late night hamburger ;)
Favorite quote:
“I want . . . I want to never have to check for your passport to know whether you’re coming back.”
Maybe it's the cynic in me, but I prefer the ugly reality of life smacking you around a bit to the glitter of "honeymoon romances". Here Malcolm and Owen hit it head on and I like how they battle it out. Neither is going to give until they realize what's important to them, truly valuable.
Malcolm's still an arrogant ass, and I love him. Hate the real life personality, but in a story--golden boy.
Owen is steady, strong and saintly patient. How he wrangles Malcolm around is pure delight.
Speaking of delight, the men are even more hot mess sexy with loveliness--museum trip and late night hamburger ;)
Favorite quote:
“I want . . . I want to never have to check for your passport to know whether you’re coming back.”
August 10, 2013
Loved it!
Made me smile, laugh, shudder, and got me warm and tingly all over.
Loved the chemistry. The honesty was refreshing.
Beautifully written! Highly recommended.
Made me smile, laugh, shudder, and got me warm and tingly all over.
Loved the chemistry. The honesty was refreshing.
Beautifully written! Highly recommended.
August 12, 2013
Owen & Malcolm... I love this couple!!! And I love this book... beautiful story, great characters and so well written, that won't be forgotten!
These men are so different and but they have such a chemistry... it's a mind-blowing love!
These men are so different and but they have such a chemistry... it's a mind-blowing love!
February 3, 2015
This review is... ah, I don't know... over a month late, I guess, but better late than never to say a few things (nice things, I swear) about the second book about Malcolm and Owen, right? After all the fun I had reading about them, they deserved it.
I bought Country Mouse and City Mouse for two reasons: 1. they were on sale, and I love a good sale, and 2. it's Aleksandr Voinov!!! Although I didn't think I would be reading it so soon as I had other reading plans, I found myself in the mood for a light romance, and this seemed like a good choice. It certainly was, because not only did I get the light romance, but a hot romance, sweet storyline, and lovable characters. I can't even think of Malcolm without smiling, followed by wishing Owen would adopt a bunch of children just so I could see Malcolm freaking out. Sorry, Malcolm.
As for what happens in City Mouse, it's perfectly summed up in this part of the blurb:
A magical weekend, a breathless declaration, a happy ever after... Right?
Wrong.
Yeah, wrong. That Hollywood-movie move at the end of Country Mouse should have led to happy ever after, but this is not a Hollywood movie. Malcolm had made a grand gesture--an incredible step for him--but that was only the beginning. Owen was finding his footing in the new environment, and Malcolm was learning what being in a serious relationship really meant. Needless to say, Owen was more successful. He was also the one aware a crisis was ahead of them, and the one always defusing their arguments. Malcolm was being Malcolm: a bit of a bastard, but a lot of fun. He was lucky Owen seemed to have the patience of a saint. Though, to be fair, Malcolm had no experience in being in love and everything that entails, so it was all uncharted territory; he was bound to stumble a little. It was rather cute seeing him like that.
All in all, I very much enjoyed reading about Malcolm and Owen, both in Country Mouse, when they met, and started something that turned into something more, and in City Mouse where they were trying to make their relationship work. Also, there's a reason why I put this on my smoking-hot shelf, so another thing in their favor.
All I can say is Aleksandr Voinov and Amy Lane did great.
On a side note, I love it when authors have their book characters appear in their other books. I had no idea Aleksandr Voinov did that. In Country Mouse I suspected that Josh is the same Josh I met in Return on Investment, and now I'm pretty sure it was. He also appeared here. He seemed grouchier than I remember him in RoI, though that could be the effect Malcolm has on him. I'd definitely like to see him in his own book, happy and content.
You know who else was here? Remember Percy who brought Spencer to Market Garden and to Nick? Well, he was here. So was Market Garden, and Malcolm in it!
It's possible some Amy Lane's characters were here as well, but I've only read one of her solo books, so I don't know.
April 9, 2013
4,5 stars for me.
I loved City Mouse more then Country Mouse. There are many stories with opposites attract trope, but as soon as couple hit the bed and I-love-you words are exchanged those differences in their personalities seem to fade. This novel is all about two guys who have little in common giving their best to make their relationship work despite those differences. That's why I found City Mouse more compelling read.
The story is following events from previous installment. Owen decided to stay in London and start a relationship with Mal. Owen is easy going, charming and relaxed kind of guy and Mal is one cranky, control freak who need to have short term and long term plan for everything in life. Their interaction is fun to read and I'm glad characters actually talked when first crises hit them. Sex scenes are off-the-chart hot as it's expected from Lane and Voinov and I hope we'll get more novels from this wonderful collaboration in future.
Read
March 25, 2013Thoroughly enjoyable book, just what I look for in a light contemporary. Real conflict between the leads, both of them lovable in their own ways, a good cast of supporting characters, and a satisfying emotional arc.
The only complaints I really have are: that Owen's POV was a little too "British-sounding" with regards to dialect and phrasing when I would have preferred more contrast between the language of each character's POV, really drawing a line between their differences; and that the sexual arc of the story was a little muddled for me. Don't get me wrong, I found the sex very sexy, but when there's as much as there was in this book, I like there to be a distinct sexual arc that threads through the sex scenes. There were definitely hints of that here, but they just didn't quite come together (ha) in a satisfying way.
Overall though, a fun and funny read, recommended for contemporary fans.
The only complaints I really have are: that Owen's POV was a little too "British-sounding" with regards to dialect and phrasing when I would have preferred more contrast between the language of each character's POV, really drawing a line between their differences; and that the sexual arc of the story was a little muddled for me. Don't get me wrong, I found the sex very sexy, but when there's as much as there was in this book, I like there to be a distinct sexual arc that threads through the sex scenes. There were definitely hints of that here, but they just didn't quite come together (ha) in a satisfying way.
Overall though, a fun and funny read, recommended for contemporary fans.
August 15, 2013
This is an amazing continuation of Malcolm and Owen's story from Country Mouse, the first in the series. I fell in love with these guys in that book (that ending will always be one of my all-time favorites) and I fell more in love with them in City Mouse. In City Mouse the men must work together, considering their differences, once the honeymoon phase of the relationship is over and the real world steps in. I absolutely loved it.
Another great book by Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov. My thanks to both for giving us more of one of my all-time favorite couples.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Riptide Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Another great book by Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov. My thanks to both for giving us more of one of my all-time favorite couples.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Riptide Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 24, 2013
4.5 stars
I loved this even more than Country Mouse because falling in love is easy, staying together is much harder and this book has some great views on relationships plus two great characters with very distinctive voices and for once I didn't even skip the sex scenes.
“Malcolm Kavanagh, I, Owen Watson, promise you that I will never leave without saying goodbye. And I won’t ever leave you without at least asking you first if you want me to stay.” His voice grew husky and gruff as he spoke. “And I promise that I love you. And that I think you’re worth fighting for and staying for. And that it will take more than one spat or even ten of them to make me just leave you without warning.”
This made me all teary-eyed.
I loved this even more than Country Mouse because falling in love is easy, staying together is much harder and this book has some great views on relationships plus two great characters with very distinctive voices and for once I didn't even skip the sex scenes.
“Malcolm Kavanagh, I, Owen Watson, promise you that I will never leave without saying goodbye. And I won’t ever leave you without at least asking you first if you want me to stay.” His voice grew husky and gruff as he spoke. “And I promise that I love you. And that I think you’re worth fighting for and staying for. And that it will take more than one spat or even ten of them to make me just leave you without warning.”
This made me all teary-eyed.
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